Riverwood Restaurant in Darlington reopened earlier this year under new owners and is now serving authentic Mexican cuisine.
    Riverwood is now owned by three partners: Rafael Hernandez-Vargas who serves as one of the two main cooks, Antonio Pimentel who recently took over as manager and third partner, Beto. 
    Although the restaurant got off to a bit of a slow start at the beginning, Pimentel came on board a few weeks ago and is really focusing on promoting the authenticity and quality of the restaurant, and making some changes.
    “I think initially the restaurant opened before it was completely ready, and things were a bit unorganized, but we’ve been working on things recently and making some changes, and we just want to invite people to come give us a try instead of going out of town for Mexican food,” said Pimentel.
    Although Riverwood Restaurant showcases authentic, homemade Mexican food with particular influences and flavors from the southern and central regions of Mexico, the restaurant also has classic American food as well.
    Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Riverwood is open every day of the week from 6 a.m. to noon on Mondays; 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; and from 6 a.m. to about 9 p.m. on weekends.
    With a fully stocked bar, Riverwood also offers a variety of mixed drinks, wine and spirits as well, with a current drink special of 99 cent margaritas with a minimum meal purchase of $4.99 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
    Daily lunch specials are available and customers should be on the lookout for upcoming changing drink specials in the future as well. The restaurant also offers carry-out meals, and is working on creating a special carry-out menu that will be distributed in the near future.
    Currently, there is live violin music available at the restaurant on the second and fourth Friday evenings of the month, and Pimentel is hoping to expand on unique entertainment offerings like that.
    “We’re thinking about setting up something like karaoke or live music on Saturdays as well, but we’re still in the process of that and we’ll see how it goes,” said Pimentel. “We just want to offer something fun and unique.”
     The restaurant is still hiring wait staff, so if anyone is interested they can stop in at Riverwood or give the restaurant a call at 776-2135.
    Pimentel said he hopes the citizens of Darlington and anyone passing through will give Riverwood a try, and to watch for even more upcoming changes, including a more streamlined menu, possible changes in signage and more promotion in general.